How Sensory Therapy Helps with Anxiety in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Sensory therapy is a helpful approach for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to manage the sensory challenges they often face. It also works well for reducing anxiety, which many people with ASD experience. Sensory therapy uses different types of sensory experiences to help individuals handle sensory sensitivities, leading to less anxiety. This article explains how sensory therapy can help reduce anxiety and improve the emotional well-being of people with ASD.

How Sensory Sensitivities Cause Anxiety

People with ASD often have sensory sensitivities, meaning they might be extra sensitive or not sensitive enough to things like light, sounds, textures, or smells. These sensitivities can make everyday things like bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures feel overwhelming and uncomfortable. When there is too much sensory input, it can lead to anxiety.

Anxiety can also happen when a person with ASD feels unsure about their environment or has trouble understanding social situations or changes in their daily routine. Sensory therapy helps by allowing people to safely experience and manage sensory input, reducing anxiety and improving how they feel emotionally.

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How Sensory Therapy Helps with Anxiety

1. Reducing Overstimulation: Sensory therapy helps people calm down when they are feeling overstimulated. Overstimulation happens when there is too much sensory input, like loud sounds or bright lights. Sensory therapy offers calming experiences like soft textures, relaxing sounds, or gentle movements, which help reduce feelings of anxiety.
2. Helping with Emotional Control: Many people with ASD find it difficult to manage their emotions. Sensory therapy can teach them how to use sensory activities to feel more in control of their emotions. For example, things like weighted blankets or deep pressure touch can help calm the body and mind during stressful situations.
3. Creating Predictable Sensory Experiences: Predictability is important for people with ASD. Sensory therapy gives them structured routines and activities that are predictable and easy to follow. Knowing what sensory experiences will happen can help reduce anxiety and make them feel more at ease.
4. Improving Focus: Sensory therapy can help people with ASD stay focused and reduce anxiety caused by distractions. Sensory activities like using fidget toys or listening to calming sounds can help them concentrate and reduce anxious thoughts.
5. Helping People Become Less Sensitive to Certain Inputs: Sensory therapy can help people get used to certain things that might normally make them anxious. For example, someone who is sensitive to loud noises can gradually be exposed to softer sounds, helping them become less bothered by noise over time.
6. Creating a Safe Space: Sensory therapy often involves creating a calming, sensory-friendly space. This space can include soft lighting, relaxing sounds, and comforting textures. Having a safe, quiet place to go when anxiety rises can help people feel more relaxed and less stressed.

Types of Sensory Therapy Techniques for Reducing Anxiety

There are many sensory therapy techniques that can help reduce anxiety:

• Weighted Blankets: These provide gentle pressure that can help people feel calm and secure, which is helpful for reducing anxiety.
• Fidget Toys: Items like stress balls or fidget spinners help people focus and manage anxious feelings in stressful situations.
• Aromatherapy: Pleasant scents like lavender or chamomile can help create a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
• Sensory Rooms: Special rooms are designed to be calming, with soft lighting, soothing sounds, and sensory-friendly materials to help reduce stress.
• Movement Therapy: Activities like swinging or bouncing on a therapy ball can provide calming movements that help with anxiety.

Affirmations for Reducing Anxiety with Sensory Therapy

Affirmations are positive statements that can help improve mindset and reduce anxiety. Here are ten affirmations to help people with ASD use sensory therapy to manage anxiety:

1. “I can handle sensory experiences and use them to calm down.”
2. “I can use sensory tools to help myself feel better.”
3. “My body knows how to relax when I focus on calming things.”
4. “I am safe in my sensory-friendly space.”
5. “Sensory therapy helps me feel in control of my emotions.”
6. “It’s okay to take breaks and return to calm when I need to.”
7. “I am learning how to handle sensory overload better.”
8. “I can create a peaceful environment for myself.”
9. “Every day, I am better at managing my anxiety.”
10. “I am proud of the progress I’ve made with sensory therapy.”

Sensory therapy is a helpful tool for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to manage anxiety. It helps by providing structured, calming sensory experiences, which can reduce overstimulation and improve emotional control. Sensory therapy techniques like weighted blankets, fidget toys, and sensory rooms offer comfort and help individuals feel less anxious. In addition, affirmations can help reinforce the positive effects of sensory therapy, boosting confidence and a sense of control. With consistent use of sensory therapy, people with ASD can experience less anxiety and improved emotional well-being.

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